Kenneth Grange
From kitchen appliances to parking meters Kenneth Grange has been a large influence in the functionality of design, with himself often being referred to as 'Britain's moderniser in chief'. Industrial designs often followed a function over aesthetic purpose, resulting in his products appearing timeless. An example of this being that he himself has used his own kettle for the last 15 years. Although function is a key aspect of his design, he also suggests that "Designers should have to live with what they design", embedding the idea that poor design will haunt you forever.
Kenneth's products gained somewhat of a cult following, with his designs being highly seeked. This being primarily due to the sustainability of his products. When discussing this concept he suggested that he often made products heavier in order to connote a longer life, and thus better value for the consumer. It was also recognised that his products would 'last for generations'. The naming of products was also discussed with the chrome razor being noted. The usage of the word chrome allows for a stronger sounding design, in turn convincing the consumer to buy the product.
On a larger scale Kenneth was approached to develop a design for the Intercity 125, a new train design. Using his own initiative he developed two designs, one in which the company had previously asked, and one whereby the shape of the train was altered in order to increase speed. Developing this from his own interest, Kenneth developed models of the train in which he also took to the pitch. From this his 2nd, innovative design was selected. In turn expressing the idea that design should be pushed as far as it can be.
Margaret Calvert
As part of a post war infrastructure project Margaret Calvert and her teacher of the time, Jock Caner set out to revolutionise road travel. With the 50's seeing more and more transport vehicles entering British motorways, some form of road sign had to be developed in order to express direction and to promote road safety. As a result of this Margaret and Jock began to develop pictograms focusing upon simplicity and uniformity. Tests and trials were conducted in order to ensure that the signs could be read at speed, with legibility being a large factor.
The sign developers conducted extensive research into the ways in which people consume information at high speed, with it being discovered that people often read the shape of a word rather than the word itself. As a result of this upper and lowercase letters were used in order to express unified word shapes. Colour was also widely considered with the white and blue motorway signs being said to 'sit well in Britain's landscape.
One of the most iconic signs developed was that of the children (with the girl leading the boy), this was considered a highly feminist move at the time, as males dominated society. The lack of female graphic designers at the time also lead Margret to comment that 'weren't very many women like me then'. Suggesting that all products of design were masculine.
Due to the large scale of teh development it was stated by Margaret that to change the designs would cost an awful lot of money, and thus it appears that her road sign network will be active for decades to come.
Trevor Baylis
In 1991, Trevor Baylis developed that of a revolutionary design, the wind up radio. Completing prototypes within his shed for multiple years, Trevor aimed to develop a radio in which could be used in developing countries as a mean of receiving information. As a result of his product a ripple effect was expressed across the developing nations with information about aids, and infant mortality being expressed. Music also gave an insight into culture. The product was developed in that of south africa, allowing for paid jobs. Large job roles were also distributed to disabled individuals, allowing for better opportunities. When visiting himself, Trevor cried, an expiration of his compassion.
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